Tulsa World: Big 12 Spring Review: Colorado Buffaloes

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Big 12 Spring Review: Colorado Buffaloes

By GUERIN EMIG World Sports Writer
Published: 4/29/2009 5:04 AM
Last Modified: 4/29/2009 5:04 AM

2008 record: 5-7 overall, 2-6 Big 12 (no bowl appearance)

Head coach: Dan Hawkins (fourth season, 13-24 record)

Starters returning: 10 offense, 5 defense

The Buffaloes' spring: Colorado's resurgence the past 20 years has been tied to a productive running game. It is something the Buffs have gone without the past few seasons, and it's no coincidence they have struggled. No surprise, then, that the ground game was a point of emphasis this spring.

Colorado's four primary tailbacks totaled 270 yards in the spring game last Saturday. Look for more of the same when the 2009 season rolls around.

"We're blocking people downhill, which is different," offensive lineman Matt Bahr told the Longmont (Colo.) Times-Call. "We were going so lateral last year. All of our steps were lateral and we were blocking people down the line. Now we're just going straight at guys, pushing them back and learning to be more aggressive."

Darrell Scott, one of the biggest disappointments in the conference last year after his heralded signing from Ventura, Calif., showed up in better condition. He could be poised to break out next fall. Or he could simply be part of a four-helmeted monster at tailback, along with Demetrius Sumler, Brian Lockridge and Rodney Stewart.

"We'll play all those guys," coach Dan Hawkins said. "We're going to play guys wherever they fit in and not get hung up in the traditional starting lineup."

At quarterback, Tyler Hansen was battling Cody Hawkins until he broke his thumb in the spring game. Hansen could be sidelined for six weeks.

"They're both playing great, they really are," Dan Hawkins said leading up to the scrimmage.

The spring game: Scott carried 15 times for 90 yards. Sumler added 73 yards on eight carries. Hawkins led drives that produced 17 points. Hansen's offense produced 10. Defensive back Marcus Burton registered eight tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery.

Most pleasant surprises: Scott can apparently kick the ball pretty well, too. He boomed a 48-yarder in his only spring game punt, which should get Matt DiLallo's attention. DiLallo, the Buffs' punter the past three years, averaged just 36 yards on five boots.

Areas of lingering concern: Hansen had surgery Sunday to repair the broken thumb on his throwing hand. He'll hope to recover in time to rejoin the race to start. Accounts out of Colorado indicate Dan Hawkins won't decide on a starter until two-a-days. Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Mark Helfrich has interviewed for the same position at Oregon, where he was a graduate assistant. That would be a terrible loss for a team in flux at the most critical position on the field.

2009 schedule

Sept. 5: Colorado State

Sept. 11: at Toledo

Sept. 19: Wyoming

Oct. 1: at West Virginia

Oct. 10: at Texas

Oct. 17: Kansas

Oct. 24: at Kansas State

Oct. 31: Missouri

Nov. 7: Texas A&M

Nov. 14: at Iowa State

Nov. 19: at Oklahoma State

Nov. 27: Nebraska By GUERIN EMIG World Sports Writer

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Arbythree, Tulsa (4/29/2009 12:33:47 PM)

Worse than they use to be.

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